Paula and Will, homeowners in their early 70s, live in a detached farmhouse. The property, located near several small watercourses including Winter Beck, had experienced a major flood 20 years ago. Despite that, they had been able to renew her home insurance without issue.
In January 2025, their home was flooded again after a prolonged period of heavy rain. The flooding was exacerbated by a silted culvert beneath the Nottingham Canal, which caused the canal to overtop and redirect water into a nearby stream. This stream overflowed, flooding the High Street and affecting around 40 properties. Paula and Will’s ground floor was submerged under six inches of water.
Their home insurance policy was due for renewal in March, but their insurer was exiting the home insurance market. Many insurers were unable to offer cover to Paula and Will due to their ongoing claim and the property’s flood history.
After calling around many providers, they were successfully signposted to BIBA’s Find Insurance Service which transferred them to specialist broker, Brown & Brown. They stepped in with just three weeks left before Paula and Will’s policy expired. They explained that the broker was “reassuring and supportive”, helping them navigate the requirements for new coverage. These included a full electrical survey, upgrading the electrical system and checks on the heating and boiler system.
Paula and Will described the experience as ‘stressful and time-consuming’, but they were ultimately relieved to have comprehensive insurance in place. They explained how important it was to secure insurance: “Our property is old and would be really expensive to repair if something else terrible happened. We wouldn’t be able to afford the expense” she said. Despite the hurdles, she now feels more secure knowing her home is protected through the support of a specialist broker.
